Domestic Violence Law: Two Decades of Strength and Safety

It refers to any action, neglect, or behavior by an individual that injures or threatens the health, safety, life, body, or welfare of a woman — regardless of being physical or psychological (Section 3 of the PWDVA). It encompasses:

Physical violence, verbal and emotional mistreatment, and financial abuse.

The United Nations (UN) states that domestic violence is a type of gender-related violence that takes place in the private domain — usually between people connected by intimacy or kinship. It includes:

Intimate Partner Violence: Harm, whether physical, sexual, or psychological, inflicted by a current or past partner.

Child and Elder Neglect: Inside the home

Economic & Psychological Manipulation: Limiting financial access, cutting off from social circles, or employing threats.

Trends and Data Analysis

Worldwide Overview: As reported by UN Women, almost 1 in 3 women around the world have faced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, typically inflicted by a close partner.

In 2023, more than 51,000 women and girls were murdered by relatives or partners—approximately 140 fatalities each day.

Indian Context:

NCRB Data (Crime in India Report): 507 incidents recorded under PWDVA in 2021. A total of 468 cases were recorded in 2022.

NFHS-5 (2019–2021): 29.3% of women aged 18–49 who have ever been married reported experiencing violence from their spouses. It represents a decrease from 31.2% in NFHS-4 (2015–2016).

Main Causes of Domestic Violence

Patriarchal Norms & Gender Inequality: Long-established patriarchal customs perceive women as inferior to men.

Cultural approval of male supremacy sustains violence.

Conflicts Over Dowry: Ongoing dowry requests frequently lead to harassment and aggression.

Connected to economic regulation and status declaration.

Economic Dependence & Poverty: Women's reliance on finances hinders their capacity to exit abusive situations.

Poverty and joblessness raise family tension and aggression.

Insufficient Legal & Institutional Backing: Slow justice processes, inadequate shelters, and poor enforcement discourage individuals from reporting.

Cultural Quietude & Societal Stigma: Fear of disgrace,

India’s Initiatives to Combat Domestic Violence

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This law was established to protect the basic rights of women as per Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

It offers a civil legal solution to safeguard women against domestic violence and help stop its repetition in the community.

Section 18: Protection Orders in every district to aid Magistrates, document grievances, and enable legal solutions like protection orders and residency arrangements.

Section 19: Order for residence at the matrimonial home;

Section 20: Financial Orders that encompass support for herself and her Children;

Section 21: Provisional Care of Minors;

Section 22: Order for compensation regarding the harm inflicted on her.

Mission Shakti and One Stop Centres (OSCs): These offer comprehensive support—medical help, legal services, shelter, and counseling—to women in crisis throughout India.

A total of 802 centers are operational across the country.

Aided 10.80 lakh women by 31st January 2025.

Emergency Management Systems:

ERSS-112: A national emergency hotline for women, connected with police dispatch services.

Women Helpline 181: Active in 35 states/UTs, managing over 2.10 crore calls and supporting over 84 lakh women.

Women Help Desks: 14,658 desks established in police stations, with 13,743 managed by female officers.

Women Helpline (WHL-181) – Linked with ERSS across 35 States/UTs.

Aid was provided to 84.43 lakh women via over 2.10 crore calls.

National Dashboard: Created by C-DAC to monitor helpline inquiries and classify domestic violence incidents instantly.

Stree Manoraksha Project: NIMHANS offers psycho-social counseling training to OSC personnel.

Function of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): DBT programs such as Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana facilitate direct cash transfers, LPG connections, and maternity support.

Financial independence decreases women's susceptibility to economic abuse — a prevalent type of domestic violence.